Funny - But True

Just felt like sharing a funny today. This made me smile, so I hope it does the same for you! Sometimes just being in a good mood is motivation enough.

Turn Your Resolutions into Lifestyles

We all start out the new year with good intentions. We know what our life is lacking and what we need to do to be happier, healthier and more stable. The only way to truly be successful, however, is to change your mindset and lifestyle. This is the only thing that carry you past January and February.

For a few tips on helping you make your resolutions stick and become a lifestyle, take a look at last weeks post 5 TIPS TO HELP RESOLUTIONS STICK.

You got this!!

You're Never Done

The biggest mistake people make when trying to lose weight and get into shape is thinking that it's a goal with an end. That's why diets and special exercise programs don't work: it has to be a lifestyle change. You don't GO on a diet you CHANGE your diet and you don't just DO an exercise program but you BECOME more active. Change your mind set and you will change your results.

Are Cheat Meals Worth The Cheat?

I was cracking up when I saw this picture, because it's totally how I was feeling Saturday night, and Sunday morning. The reason? I was so tired on Saturday, and when I get tired it's a dangerous time for me. I start to crave greasy foods and I lose my desire to choose healthy options. Nachos ended up on the dinner menu. Nachos with a big helping of guacamole and diet soda. It tasted good going down, but about an hour later my body was wondering what the hell just hit it. It really makes me wonder if those cheat meals are worth it in the long run? Is it worth 20-30 minutes of pleasure for hours of misery? I hope I can remember this feeling next time I get a huge craving for a big plate of melted cheese...... maybe I should tape this picture on my computer monitor. That should do it!

The Secret Is......

There is only one secret to weight loss and being in shape, and I'm going to tell it to you right now....... shhhhh - Here it is: There is no secret. It's hard work and dedication, bottom line. You have to be consistent, you have to exercise and you have to eat well. That's it. No magic potion, no secret club, and absolutely NO just being lucky. You have to do it every day, not just during the week and party on the weekends and no weekend warrior behavior. So, follow the luckiest man alive and make your own luck - go to the gym.... always.

It's a HoliDAY

With two holidays behind us, and two more to go, we are in the full binge swing. Of all the holidays, Christmas is the most difficult to stay disciplined. There are parties for work, with friends and family gatherings all month long - not just on the holiday itself. It's really important to remember that we are talking about a holiDAY here, not a holiMONTH. Try and pace yourself. Treats are fine, just remember moderation is all things. And, be sure to read my post 10 Tips To Avoid Holiday Weight Gain. 

Happy Holidays!

Become Great

Several years ago I had a friend who's husband wanted to learn to play the guitar. I told her that my hubby taught and would be glad to teach him. She later called me and said her husband didn't want to take lessons until he learned to play a little so he didn't look dumb at his first lesson............Backwards thinking you say? Many of us look at exercising in the same way. You don't want to join a gym or start personal training because you are out of shape and you don't want to look dumb. How are you going to get into shape then? Starting is the first step and being great will follow.

Attitude Is Everything

We all have issues and problems that we have to deal with from time to time - that's life. The thing that makes all the difference in the world is the attitude that you have while dealing with said problems. You can let them get you down, take over your life and make yourself and everyone around you miserable...... OR, you can keep your chin up, grow from the experience and come out the other side a better person for it. I opt for the latter. Things don't last forever, so keep your chin up! Attitude is everything.

If It's Important, Find A Way

How true is this? I can see this in every aspect of my life. There are a lot of things that are just not up for negotiation, I just do them without question and will push other things to the side to make room for them - and then there's the things that get pushed to the side. You have to decide for yourself what those important things are. Is it exercise or finishing up the last season of Breaking Bad for the third time? Are you going to have a salad with dinner, or french fries, because heck potatoes are vegetables. It's all about what's important to you.

Mistakes Are Part of Progress

What an insightful man in so many areas. Mistakes are a part of progress - they help you learn and grow. They are a good thing because it shows that you are trying. Make them and get better from them.

Happiness is Infectious

This weekend I had the opportunity to do the hair of a Queen. Nicole is one of the most happy, beautiful people I know, and the 2014 class of Kentwood HS agree, as she was voted Homecoming Queen this year. Beauty comes in all shapes and sizes, but nothing can overshadow the beauty that shines from within and spreads to all those who come in contact with it. There's something about being around someone who is continually cheerful and kind that makes you want to be the same way. Thank you Nicole for being so beautiful and such a great example to us all. I strive to be more like you every day.

Push Beyond Your Comfort

There are a list of exercises I hate - I mean really hate: push-ups, burpees, and wall climbs to just name a few. They are hard and they push my body and willpower to the limits some times, but I do them anyway. I do them because they are good for me, they help me progress and they make me stronger. There are days where I have to talk myself into doing them, but in the end I do. Everyone has exercises they hate - and some of us just plain hate exercising. Do it anyway, because it's good for you, will help you progress and will make you stronger.

You Can't Outrun A Bad Diet

Many people are under the mistaken belief that because they exercise a lot they can eat whatever they want. Unfortunately, this is just not true. It takes a heck of a lot more time to burn off calories than it does to consume them. Diet is the most important element of health and keeping your weight in check. Don't get me wrong, exercise is SO important for SO many reasons, but you can ruin everything you accomplish with a workout in one meal if you're not careful. Work on your diet, and everything else will become easier.

The Voice In Your Head Is A Liar

Every day I have a handful of reasons why I shouldn't exercise: I'm tired. Something hurts. I worked out too hard yesterday. I deserve a day off. I have too much to do today. I also run into mind games while actually out exercising: You can't run that far. That's too much weight to lift, it's too difficult. You really are too tired to push yourself that hard. During the most difficult race I ever participated in, and that I was completely untrained for, this is what my mind was saying to me: You could walk and no one would know the difference. Why the heck do you put yourself through this? What are you doing? This is stupid. You'll never finish this.

No! No! and No!

I finished that race, and felt good for doing so. Your brain is lying to you, and will play tricks on you. Yes, you can do it! Yes, you need to do it! Yes, it does matter! Yes, someone will know the difference - you will. I would way rather push through and have a sense of accomplishment than not do it and feel guilty. Don't listen to your brain, it will lie to you every time.

It's Suppose To Be Hard

Exercising is hard. Eating a healthy meal while everyone else is scarfing on pizza, cake and ice cream is hard. Being disciplined is hard! It's true, it's much easier to be lazy and eat convenience food for sure. If being in shape were easy then everyone would have rock hard abs and the strength to do 10 pull-ups. No, it's not easy! Yes, it's suppose to be hard. If it's hard, then you are doing something right and pushing yourself beyond your comfort zone, and that my friend is where all the pay off and success is.

Don't Let Fear Make Your Desicions

Many years ago I made the decision to not let fear stand in the way of something I wanted to do. This was while I was standing on a rock cliff too petrified to jump, while my entire family was having fun together jumping and swimming (there were 20 of us there, including my at the time 10 year old daughter). Their laughter was like a dagger in my racing heart I so desperately wanted to be a part of the moment, but too afraid to take the leap. That was a life changing moment for me. You can always come up with a long list of reasons you shouldn't do something because physical, emotional or financial pain could possibly be in your future if you pursued it. Instead of focusing on the negative side of a decision focus on the positive. Yes, those things could go wrong, but what could go right? How would living in the moment and taking the leap enrich your life? Sometimes the little list of pros will outweigh the long list of cons, and you come out on top in the end. Go for it! Take the leap and do what your heart is telling you to do! It knows better.

Each Day You Get Closer

A lot of people get discouraged because they look at how far they have to go to reach their goals. Instead of doing this, look at the progress you have made. Each day gets you a little closer, so keep going.

Stick With It

Everyone starts at the beginning - EVERYONE. When I first started exercising 20 years ago, walking a couple miles pushing a baby stroller was a huge accomplishment. Walking the two mile loop I started on felt like it took forever and I was super tired when I got back, but I continued to do it. Strolling became walking, walking became shuffling and eventually that turned into running. I still remember the first day I ran my entire loop. I was on top of the world. Just stick with it. It doesn't matter how slow you start out, or how short of a distance you go, just go. It will get easier, and the day you reach your goal you will feel on top of a mountain.

Don't Quit

Keeping momentum moving forward is sometimes one of the most difficult things to do. It's easy to get started when you have the motivation, drive and ambition of something new to look forward to. Learning a new skill or starting a goal is exciting and can carry you for a while. It's after that thing has become old, and the newness of it has worn off, that things get to be a challenge. When you get to this point, think about why you even started in the first place. Sometimes something as simple as reminding yourself of your goals will help to re-motivate you and get your momentum moving again.

Speed Doesn't Matter

I hear people say all of the time: "I'm not really a runner. I'm too slow." Well, I'm here to tell you that if you go out, put one foot in front of the other, and cover some distance, you ARE a runner. There are no requirements for how far you need to go, or how fast you need run. Consistency is the key, not speed and distance. So, lace on those shoes, enjoy the outdoors and for heaven sakes - tell the world you are a runner!